The family of Hinckley murder victim Hayley Pointon have renewed calls to find her killer as they mark their first Christmas since her death.

Miss Pointon was gunned down at a house she was visiting in Sunnydale Road on February 3. She died of a single bullet wound.

As the festive season approaches - the first her two young children will spend without their mum - her relatives have spoken at length of how they continue to grieve but remain hopeful her killer will be found.

Her family, mum Kerry, dad Alan and brother Dean, said in a statement: “Bringing her killer to justice would make a massive difference. We would be halfway to closure.

“If you know anything, do the decent thing – ease the family’s pain. Hayley always looked forward to Christmas, and would be planning what to get people three months ahead. We always had a large family gathering at Christmas, and Hayley would organise the entertainments.

“The people who did this are still walking around. They will be having Christmas with their families, while Hayley’s children face Christmas without their mum. She was a fantastic mum, and put her children first.”

The 30-year-old had two children, who have had to mark their fourth and eighth birthdays without their mother and will now spend their first Christmas without her.

Hayley lived all her life in the Willenhall and Wyken areas of Coventry. After attending Ernesford Grange Community School, she undertook a three year beauty therapy course at Henley College, Coventry.

She then worked as a beautician at Ian Hunt Hair and Beauty, Complexions, and then Paul Fredericks Hairdressing.

The family added: “She was a livewire, bubbly and outgoing, the life and soul of the party. You never won an argument with her, she could be stubborn and stroppy, but she had a heart of gold and would do anything for you. If anyone was upset or had a setback, she would be round with a bunch of flowers.

“If you are someone who knows something that could give these children and us a small bit of justice in our lives, please come forward and contact the police.”

Police have arrested 21 people as part of their murder enquiry. Nine remain on police bail, but so far no-one has been charged.

Police have been keen to try and trace two men with hoodies who were seen in the area at the time of the incident and drove off in a dark car which was parked in Sunnydale Road.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Yarwood from East Midlands Special Operations Unit-Major Crime is leading the investigation. He said: “I know there are people in the Willenhall area of Coventry who know what has happened, and can provide the evidence we need to take this case to court. I would urge them to be brave and come forward.

“This investigation is not going away. We are continuing to explore a number of lines of enquiry and we will not stop until these people are brought to justice.”

Anyone with information should contact Leicestershire Police on 0116 222 2222 and ask for the Murder Investigation Team.